Equating disposable income with only buying products is a very European way to mischaracterize ambition. In the real world, money buys options, security, and peace of mind. I can travel and retire early too. If you’re happy with a capped salary and a lower ceiling, more power to you. Just don't pretend lower purchasing power is a moral virtue.
You told “I can buy whatever I like”. In Europe you have much more peace of mind and security. It’s much more likely to be bankrupt in US rather than Europe. You have much more social support. You can travel, you have your pension not linked to how the stocks perform, you can be sick without risky of being bankrupted either because you cannot afford treatment or because you don’t have paid sick leaves. My health is not linked to how much I make. But if you are happy with it go for it, I’m totally fine
You're looking at it glass half empty. Sure there is more risk of bankruptcy. But on the flip side, you can build serious wealth here. Much faster too. A lot of people I know have done it. I have lots of hopes and dreams and I'm slowly achieving them. But hey if you want to play it safe, good for you. The European model isn't for me.
And what point is that? It's different for everyone. And like I said, it's not just about accumulating money but achieving a lot of dreams. And helping the people I love. But hey, if you're happy with the European way, more power to you.
The point is many people don't put importance on wealth. It's only a thing if you can't afford basic living stuff. But beyond that it's irrelevant.
For example I don't see gdp as an indicator of progress. Universal health condition of people living in a country, social conditions, safety, environment... These are the indicators of developed country.
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u/Minute-Champion-6136 6h ago
Quality of life exlusively linked to what product you can buy it’s a very american way to see life